Chameleon Holidays & Travel for Safaris & Vacations in Africa | Southern Africa | Namibia | Naukluft Mountains - 4 day hike/ 6 ex Windhoek

06 Day Naukluft Mountains Hike - ex Windhoek - Bronze Camping

The name Naukluft, is derived from the Afrikaans and means 'narrow ravine', and is part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Naukluft Mountains are well known as a hiker’s destination, including day hikes like the Waterkloof and Olive Trail, but also a four-day and an eight-day trail for the more advanced and fit hikers. The trails are open from first March to the third Friday in October on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays of each week. The accommodation at the overnight stops on the trail consists of stone built shelters and a hut. No showers are provided      

Day 01
Pick up time at about 10h00 in Windhoek. Heading southwards we will reach the Naukluft Mountains in the afternoon. Overnight in bunk beds at “Hikers Haven”, the old farmhouse at Naukluft. (LD)

Day 02  
The trail starts at the hut and except for two fairly steep ascents; the first days hike covers easy terrain. Much of the trail follows a zebra path with an easy gradient and we are rewarded with spectacular views of the wide valley some 300m below. The overnight stop, “Putte Shelter” takes its name from the nearby well, which is equipped with a hand pump, enabling us to obtain water. About six hours are required to hike today’s 14km section. Those who still have enough energy left can take a short to watch the spectacular sunset. (BLD)

Day 03
Our second day’s hike mainly traverses the undulating plateau and once again requires about six hours to complete the 15km stretch. About three hours after setting off, “Bergpos” is reached and the trail now descends down the spectacular “Ubusis Kloof”. This descent is very difficult and therefore for ease and safety several chains have been anchored at critical points. “Ubusis Hut” used to be a holiday cottage before the land was acquired for the park and will be a pleasant surprise to us. (BLD)


Day 04  
Our day starts with backtracking to Bergpos (all the exhausting way up again), an easy route is followed across the plateau to the “Adlerhorst Shelter”. Maybe we are lucky to see Mountain Zebra or Kudu, which are often tobe spotted in the area. Our hike today covers about 12km and requires about four to six hours. There is a possibility to watch the sunset over the desert approx. 1 hour from the shelter. The descent from here is easy and one can get back to the shelter before dark.  (BLD)

Day 05
The fourth day of our trail to Tsams Ost covers about 17km and initially traverses fairly level terrain before branching off into a beautiful gorge carved by the Tsams River. After following the kloof for some distance the trail leaves the river and climbs steeply to bypass a waterfall before winding down to the river again where we will see an enormous “Moringa Tree”. A number of beautiful springs are passed shortly before reaching the gravel road leading to “Tsams Ost Shelter”. Transfer by vehicle to one of the “guest farms or lodges” in the area. A nice shower and bed is waiting for us and we have time to relax and recall the pleasures of the last day (BLD)

Day 06
Drive back to Windhoek (B)

2012 Rates
R8,790 person twin share
R220 single supplement

                                                       MIN. / MAX PER GROUP:       4-7 pax

                                                             MIN. AGE:        12 years

Departures:      May to September – on request

Special requirements: very good fitness; doctors medical report which is not older than 40 days; guest must sign indemnity form and have to provide own medical evacuation insurance in advance.

Price Includes: English speaking guide/driver; door-to-door courtesy transport in Windhoek City area only; all transfers Windhoek - start/end point of hikes - Windhoek; accommodation as per itinerary; meals as per itinerary (B= cereals, coffee/tea, l= bread, cheese, salami, d= light cooked meal by our guide incl. coffee/tea); hiking permits;

Price Excludes: Personal travel insurance - this is compulory; sleeping bags, mattresses & backpack & water bottle; tips/gratuities; drinks/snacks; items of a personal nature; flights; visas